Approaching the Fennell Residence from a dock on the Willamette River, you first notice the sweep of curved glue-laminated beams balance with the rich hue of exposed Western Red Cedar shingles in curvilinear patterns and copper roofing.
Inspired by the setting, the house was designed as a series of curves that seem to flow over one another. A glue-laminated beam dives into the floor where you enter a side courtyard, while another breaks overhead. You enter the house and move around the staircase, into a great open living space with a full wall of glass looking out to the river and shore line beyond. This view draws you through a door in the glass wall, where you enjoy a patio on the water.
The home is filled with natural light that seems to roll down under the curved ceiling and exposed beams, and spill into the living space. Glass fills gaps in the structure, making the building feel light and transparent, with subtle reflections that imply depth. Clerestory windows open to allow natural ventilation. A white interior finish rolls up the east wall and seems to billow like a white sail, and you wonder if the home will catch the wind and take flight.
Photography by Cameron Neilson
The plan of the house is logical, tight, and rectilinear. The client enjoys loft-style living and there are few interior partitions, with the master suite looking over a balcony to the main living space, sharing the view.
Although on the water, you feel no sway. A subtle reminder comes from the swinging of the pendant lights hanging in the kitchen. But this home feels at peace with its setting, it could be nowhere but on the water, and this spiritual sense pervades the entire home.
